Motor Image Pilipinas, the official local distributor of Subaru, has assured customers that its vehicles sold in the country are unaffected by a recently announced safety recall in North America involving certain hybrid models.
The clarification follows the issuance of a recall by Subaru of America, Inc., covering around 71,207 units of the 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid in the United States. The recall, filed under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration campaign number 26V106, involves a potential fuel leak from the filler cap under specific conditions.
According to the safety report, if affected vehicles are parked with a near-full tank and exposed to a significant rise in ambient temperature, fuel expansion may occur, resulting in an increase in tank pressure. In some cases, insufficient seal between the fuel cap housing and gasket could allow fuel to leak from the filler neck. Authorities noted that a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire. Subaru has reported 33 technical cases in the United States, but it stated that there are no fires or injuries related to the issue.
As part of the remedy, North American Subaru dealers will replace the fuel filler cap gasket with an improved component, incorporating an O-ring to enhance sealing performance. While awaiting parts availability, customers are advised to limit fuel levels to about 50%.
In relation to the recall, Motor Image Pilipinas said it verified the matter directly with Subaru Corporation. The Subaru global parent company confirmed that vehicles distributed in the Philippines and other Motor Image Group are not included in the recall campaign.
Motor Image Pilipinas explained that the affected component was developed specifically for North American-spec vehicles to comply with North American environmental regulations. These models use a specialized sealed fuel system not found in vehicles distributed in the Philippines or other regions where Motor Image operates. In other words, the conditions cited in the U.S. recall do not exist in Philippine-market units.
Motor Image Pilipinas emphasized that Subaru vehicles sold locally are engineered to meet Philippine regulatory and environmental standards. It also reassured that Subaru owners need not worry, and no further action must be taken following the recall. The company concluded that local Subaru owners may continue to refuel their units with confidence.
Autocar’s Take
Vehicle recalls are nothing new and are very common to all existing car brands globally. As exemplified by Subaru, clear communication matters the most when vehicle recalls make international headlines. Motor Image Pilipinas’ direct clarification helps prevent unnecessary concerns among local Subaru owners by explaining, in simple but clear technical terms, why Philippine market vehicles are unaffected.
The emphasis on market-specific engineering and regulatory differences is particularly important, as it shows how global recalls are not always universally applicable. By confirming information directly from Subaru Corporation and stating that no owner action is required, Motor Image has reinforced trust and transparency – two essentials in maintaining long-term customer confidence.
